Kudos

“We were looking for more than musically accompanying a reception for key executives. Ellen Azorin brought great ideas and mobilized amazing resources that made the event fun, engaging, and memorable—and made everyone learn, without even noticing. Thank you for helping me bring an ambitious idea come to life!”—Joerg Schmitz, Program Director, The Conference Board

“Without any doubt, this whole project [referring to “Nó Em Pingo D’Água” USA tour] would have achieved nothing like it has without your incredible dedication and skill. It’s great to work with you!”—Christopher Welna, Director, Kellogg Institute for International Studies, University of Notre Dame [referring to a cultural exchange program between Brazil’s Ministry of Culture and Notre Dame]

“The party was wonderful! Vanessa Falabella and Carlos Almeida were excellent, the music was just perfect.”—Rafaella Angerosi, Coordinator, Bradesco Securities, Inc.

“The band [Carlos Almeida trio] was fantastic last night at the gala dinner for the Human Rights Watch. We got rave reviews.”—Jennifer Kunin, EMG Benefits

“It’s a pleasure in this business to work with people who actually do what they say they’ll do. It certainly paid off as evidenced by the attendance.”—Seth Abramson, artistic director, The Jazz Standard, New York City

“Thank you so much for organizing such a fabulous line-up for both our [Brazilian carnaval] events yesterday. The performers were top-rate. People raved and had a blast. And they were especially impressive during the kids’ performance, with the way they made it so kid-friendly and fun. Looking forward to continuing our work together.”—Maya Autret, Director, Resident Programming, Peter Cooper Village Stuyvesant Town

“They [the African booty dancers] were a HUGE HIT — they were just perfect and did everything I had asked them to do”—JoAnn Grigoli, Elegant Occasions wedding and event planners, New York

“Ellen Azorin at Cantaloupe Productions was resourceful, creative, and responsible in helping me put together a complex special presentation combining Brazilian and orchestral music for our River Concert Series. And the music and dancers were first rate. I highly recommend her and her company.”—Jeffrey Silberschlag, Music Director, Chesapeake Chamber Orchestra and Chair, Music Department, St. Mary’s College of Maryland

“Thank you so much for your help. Everything was perfect and the band worked wonderfully. Please congratulate all the musicians for me and I am looking forward to working with you again.”—Malu Millerman, the wife of Sergio Millerman, who hosted a reception and dinner/dance for her husband upon his appointment as President of the Brasil United States Chamber of Commerce

“Thank you for being so on-the-ball with all the particulars of the logistics, the instrumentation, and all the details. I felt like everything was really under control. . . I didn’t have to worry about it at all. And then, Grupo Saveiro et al were just extraordinary! We’ve given dozens of big parties like this and each and every one of our guests that we’ve talked to has commented how much fun they had, how great the music was, and how much they enjoyed dancing. The only reason I don’t want to recommend them more highly is that I want to make sure we get them again for next year! You did a great job and please extend my thanks to all the musicians.”—Roy Niederhoffer, President, R. G. Niederhoffer Capital Management, Inc.

“We were VERY pleased with the entertainment! The energy level was consistent, the musical direction was spot on . . . A good time was had by all and we will certainly keep you in mind for future events.”—Gino Bellia, Director of Development, H.H. Brown Shoe Company

“What a wonderful night. Everything about Marco Granados and ‘Un Mundo Ensemble’ was beautiful: the performance, the audience, and the musicians. I was thrilled. Thanks for everything.”—Laura Henrich, Producer of Evening Programs, Philadelphia Museum of Art

“Can’t thank you enough for pulling together this ‘custom’ group given our specific requests. Your professionalism and experience showed throughout the process — from initial discussions, to booking, to coordinating with the venue — and made the music, which was a priority for us, at our wedding perfect.”—Tom Balamaci, Los Angeles, CA [wedding held in New Haven, CT]

“The [First Saturday] crowd was our fourth largest ever. . . the band [HãHãHães] was very professional, they sounded great, and they were a hit with the audience.”—Mona Z. Smith, Adult Programs Manager, Brooklyn Museum of Art

“The music [Brazil Bossa Trio] was the perfect backdrop to our annual outdoor wine tasting fundraiser. I know the quality of the music this year will encourage people to come back next year. It was a pleasure doing business with you and the musicians all around.”—Nancy Bruning, Chair, Friends Committee of the Fort Tryon Park Trust

“Thank you for coming up with the perfect duo! [Paul Meyers guitar/sax duo]. It was a spectacular evening and the music was fantastic. . . We look forward to working again with you.”—Patrizia di Carrobio

“We wanted an authentic Puerto Rican bolero trio for my grandmother’s 90th Birthday event. Trio Los Platinos was wonderful. After the party, my grandmother said, ‘it was all beautiful, but the best part for me was the Trio!”—Beatriz Tinoco

“The wedding was magical. Trio Los Platinos was the perfect touch. I can’t tell you how many compliments we received. Everyone loved them. My father-in-law was thrilled to hear the music of his youth.”—Lourdes Arroyo

“What a magical night. Cliff [Korman] and his group were extraordinary. . . And I love the addition of the accordion. . . Thanks for everything. It couldn’t have been better!”—Laura Henrich, Programs Coordinator, Philadelphia Museum of Art

“The performance was fantastic and everything went smoothly. The audience was huge – one of the biggest First Saturday crowds that I have ever seen. OGANS was definitely a crowd pleaser!”—Destiny Pierce, Adult Programs Coordinator, Brooklyn Museum of Art

“Grupo Saveiro is awesome. I truly felt back in Brazil when I was kid going to Carnaval balls. Grupo Saveiro’s command of the good oldies from past Carnavals was responsible for the magnificent trip back in time for me. I just couldn’t keep my feet still listening to those songs. How were those guys able to play so vigorously and continuously? Bring them back and make them a tradition of Austin’s Carnaval Brasileiro.”—Egídio Leitão, music critic, “Música Brasileira” and “Brazilian Music Links”

“We received many compliments on the [Rabo de Lagartixa workshop] event. Thanks for working with us and we look forward to having other possibilities such as this.”—Cristina Bordin, Outreach Coordinator, Bildner Center for Western Hemisphere Studies

“Cantaloupe Music helped make our wedding day very special, operating in a very professional way that gave us a lot of confidence during the nerve-racking weeks prior to the event. The ALUÁ ensemble provided a variety of classy, upbeat and fun music for a picture perfect day.”—Dan and Jenny Pelson, New York, NY

“It was awesome. The musicians [Aluá Quartet] gave a great performance. Their selections were accessible and authentic. They carried the mood of the party, bringing up the intensity of the music as the evening progressed. You all made it a great night.”—Cory Goings, Brooklyn, New York

“The music for my husband’s birthday event was absolutely fabulous. . . I appreciate your flexibility in putting together options for me. Billy Newman and his group did a wonderful job. His music is so interesting that at times people would just stop talking to listen to him play. It made for a nice contrast to have Billy play alone at the beginning of the evening, and to end the party with a bigger band for dancing. Everybody had a great time and I thank Billy and his group for contributing to this fabulous evening.”—Asa Schoening, Guttenberg, New Jersey

“My daughter and I were thrilled with the two groups you arranged for her wedding – the flute and guitar duo for the ceremony, and the Brazilian trio for the cocktail reception. Everything went perfectly, and everyone loved the music.”—Leslie Price, Palisades, NY

“Cliff Korman and ensemble were absolutely wonderful, as were the two singers – everything about it was just terrific.”—Sandy Dolin, Rutherford, NJ

“The band [Grupo Saveiro] was AMAZING!!! They were not only extremely professional and easy to work with, but their performance was awesome, and got everyone on the dance floor. They had extremely high energy and totally read the crowd, knowing what to play and when. Thank you again for all your patience in planning this party.!”—Rebecca Babcock, events planner

“The music [Nego Gato and band] was great. There was lots of dancing. It was a very refreshing departure from ‘the wedding band’. Thanks again for all of your patience and help.”—Eve Ludwig and Jeff Weisfeld, Chicago

“I discovered Cantaloupe Music this past year, and find Ellen to be resourceful, reliable, and deliver top quality music. On several occasions, she’s been able to fill extremely difficult assignments on short notice. She is indeed a valuable person to have on call.”—Paquita Campoverde, Manager of Events, Brooklyn Public Library

“Duo Cavatina is very, very talented. We had a wonderful day.”—Edie Kalickstein, Programmer, Long Beach Public Library

“Cantaloupe Music Productions has proven to be a versatile, resourceful, and totally reliable provider of multi-cultural events of the highest quality – events that succeed in combining entertainment, student participation, and education. I highly recommend them!”—Dr. Angela Anselmo, director, SEEK program, Baruch College, City University of New York

“It was absolutely fabulous. Everyone loved the music – even those we didn’t expect to. The band was excellent, and Kaissa was wonderful. . .Happy, foot tapping, danceable. . .a unique blend of R&B, jazz, African, Brazilian music. Perfect!”—John and Myra Sommers

“They set up a wonderful evening of Brazilian music for our organization’s annual fundraiser. She was very patient, and saw to all of our questions and needs in a thoroughly professional, prompt and caring manner… I would recommend her services to anyone who would like to be treated fairly and made to feel special, as she made us feel!”—Ronnie Seldin, New York City Center for Urban Wildlife Rehabilitation

“The event was a great success and the band [Grupo Saveiro] added tremendously to the fun!”—Reisha Goldman, City of New York/Parks & Recreation Department

“Grupo Saveiro was wonderful! The students loved the performance and even danced (sometimes unusual for business students). The musicians were right on time and they helped make the event a lot of fun. I liked the music so much that I bought a CD from group. Thanks so much for everything.”—Jennifer S. Baron, Office of Student Services, NYU/Stern School of Business